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Discussion Forum

Composite wood advice

hlechat | Posted in General Discussion on May 31, 2009 07:31am

I did try the Search, but only found FH articles.

I’m seeking everyone’s advice and experience on composite wood.

found the following name brands:

  EverGrain

  GeoDeck

  LP WeatherBest

  Trex

  Veranda

 

Any experience, brand-specific or otherwise is greatly apprecitated.

I am looking to replace a front and back porch on a 1920’s Bungalow. The wood in a few places is now rotted, and the rest of it needs attention/paint. 

I wonder about replacing the bad wood only, or about replacing the whole porch.

Looking forward to everyone chiming in on this!

 

Hector

St. Charles, MO 

 

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Replies

  1. RobWes | May 31, 2009 09:41pm | #1

    I'm not happy at all with Correct Deck and plan on removing it. For a not so cheap product it's a POS IMO

    1. gzajac | Jun 01, 2009 03:19am | #2

      RobWhat problems did you have with the correct deck?Greg In Connecticut

      1. RobWes | Jun 01, 2009 04:37am | #3

        Fading on a few (10%) boards but warranty "should" cover it if I filed. The color really has not stood the test of time at less than 4 years. It's a covered porch so baking in the sun is not the issue.

        My biggest complaint is joints opening up. The deck is picture framed so that it looks finished from all angles. The picture framing on the steps has opened up to about 3/8 of an inch. These were tight when installed and looked great.

        I spent the extra on the clip system so the field looks good w/o the fasteners showing. I'll give them high marks for that.

  2. parttime | Jun 02, 2009 10:21pm | #4

    I'm posting mainly just to bump this but I have a few thoughts.  I'm in the middle finishing the other half of my deck now with Trex Accents( I started last summer!).  I'm using the Madiera color.  I'm very happy that I chose to use composite decking but here are a couple of things to think about.  1)This version of the Trex decking doesn't have the slots in the edge.  So, your hidden fastening system options will be different than if you had decking with slots in the edge.  2) Oily items can stain the decking very easily, and it's almost impossible to get out.  So if someone drops a hotdog or hamburger on the decking, you have to clean it immediately, and even then, odds are you won't get the stain out.   I'm hoping the stain will fade over time.  Even with the Madiera color of decking (which is dark brown), the stain is evident.

  3. abnorm | Jun 03, 2009 01:25pm | #5

    Check this recent recall.....about 48 Million feet

    ""Description: The recall includes outdoor deck board and railings sold under the brand names LP WeatherBest¯, ABTCo., and Veranda¯. They are composite products that look similar to natural wood and were sold in various colors including Tuscan Walnut/Chestnut, Driftwood Grey/Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood. Veranda decking products were manufactured by multiple firms; only products manufactured by LP are included in this recall.""

    http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09217.html

    1. frontiercc2 | Jun 03, 2009 06:24pm | #6

      How close are these porches to the soil below? And is there airspace below them? Read the warranties and installation instructions CAREFULLY- some products are not warranted if installed too close to grade. (Timbertech for one)

  4. User avater
    PeteDraganic | Jun 03, 2009 07:52pm | #7

    I would avoid them. Personally I wouldn't use them on decks either, anymore. The biggest part that I dislike about these products is that they expand and contract at such a high rate. This makes it very difficult to create a fine finish of miters and joints that stay nice. I've even had it snap screws from moving so much in the sun.

    Also, I am of the school that likes traditional T&G boards on a porch floor. They will form a weather-tight bond that can shed water. Composite decking has weep holes even in the T&G products that I've seen. This allows water to get into the area below your porch which I prefer not to have.

     

    I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

     

    Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day.          Matt Garcia

    1. frammer52 | Jun 03, 2009 07:54pm | #8

      I like the t&g on porches and I like the feel of actual wood on my deck, so I guess I would say, stick with the original, wood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      1. User avater
        PeteDraganic | Jun 03, 2009 08:01pm | #9

        I've always observed that the original wood porch floors on homes have lasted 50-80 years without perfect upkeep.... so I guess a new one can't do half bad wither.

        <!----><!----><!----> 

        I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

         

        Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day.          Matt Garcia

  5. User avater
    PeteDraganic | Jun 03, 2009 08:03pm | #10

    I forgot to mention that the composite floors can produce a lot of static when you walk on them causing you a shock whenever you touch certain stuff.

     

    I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish.        Pete Draganic

     

    Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day.          Matt Garcia

    1. hlechat | Jul 14, 2009 07:01pm | #11

      all good answers.

      at this point, based on feedback, will go with t&g on the front porch -- that is what is there and i'll just replace the few boards that are rotted (and try to find out why those specific ones are rotted, and not the others.  the house is 90 years old, and am guessing most of the porch is orginical)

       

      i'll put the 'fake' wood on the back step -- is is smaller, in the shade, and not orignal. 

      off to find info on how to take out old t&g and put in the new!

       

      Hector

      St Charles, MO, 

       

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